Darren Fernando charged after woman’s Dubbo house burnt down

An offender with a history of violence against women has been charged with burning his ex partner’s house down more than a year after the devastating blaze.

A Dubbo home was burnt to the ground in July, 2023, with police charging Darren Fernando with the offence more than 14 months on.

An offender with a history of violence against women has been charged with burning his ex partner’s house down more than a year after the devastating blaze.

Darren James Fernando, 38, appeared at Dubbo Local Court on Wednesday after being arrested and charged with burning down a house in Dubbo.

During a bail application, the Dubbo man pleaded not guilty to destroying a property with fire and threatening to damage or destroy property.

Court documents state the home on MacGregor St, Dubbo, was burnt down some time between 3.40am and 5.55am on July 8, 2023.

The court heard Fernando has been sentenced to a 10-month jail term in 2023 for crimes committed against the woman who allegedly had her house burnt down.

Dubbo man Darren Fernando. Picture: NSW Police

Fernando was convicted of two counts of intimidation and four counts of breaching an apprehended domestic violence order. He was released on parole in November, 2023.

Police prosecutor Ben Bragger submitted while it was a “circumstantial case”, it was a “strong case” with the court hearing Fernando allegedly sent messages to the complainant and police shortly before the house was alight.

“This is an example of extreme domestic violence without actually causing violence,” the prosecutor said.

The house ablaze in the early hours of July 8, 2023.

Fernando’s lawyer Zoe Huijer submitted the text messages had “little relevance to the charges”.

Ms Huijer conceded it was “clear as day” Fernando’s record did not assist his likelihood of conditional liberty, however, she pressed there was “no evidence he was even at the house”.

Magistrate Aaron Tang told the court there were not any bail conditions which could be put in place to mitigate the risk of further offending.

Mr Tang noted the seriousness of the allegation as well Fernando’s criminal record which included multiple offences committed against women.

The case will return to court on November 6.